Celtic should offer David Marshall chance to end Hull nightmare amid ‘keeper crisis

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The former Bhoy would be a fine addition to the Celtic squad considering their current goalkeeping situation.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed yesterday that the club will be looking to add a goalkeeper to their squad following the news that number one choice Craig Gordon will be out of action for 12 weeks.

The club are in a dire situation, with only one senior goalkeeper left on their books, having sent third-choice teenage prospect Conor Hazard out on loan to Falkirk.

At is stands, second choice ‘keeper Dorus De Vries is set to take over as the starting goalkeeper, with the club desperate to add another option between the sticks before the end of the window.

It was reported yesterday that a £200,000 bid for Motherwell shot-stopper Trevor Carson was rejected, as Rodgers looked to bring in a player he has admired for a while.

With only one day left until the end of the transfer window, time is running out for the Hoops in their last-minute pursuit of a goalkeeper.

Hazard could be recalled from loan, however, the youngster would be returning with no experience at senior level.

Speaking to the Celtic website Rodgers said: “We sent young Conor Hazard out on loan to get experience. I think he could be a very good keeper in the future for us but he needs to get the games.”

Rodgers’ emphasis on ‘future’ means it is likely that Hazard is not the backup option they are after. The youngster is a bright prospect no doubt. However, with Europa League knock-out football on the horizon, a slightly more experienced goalkeeper may be necessary.

In their search for a goalkeeper, Celtic should look no further than former Bhoy David Marshall.

Marshall, 32, is a Celtic youth academy product and made 50 appearances for the Celts, winning four trophies, before moving on to Norwich City.

The Scotland goalie has gone on to enjoy a successful career in England and is vastly experienced. Yet he has only featured twice for Hull City this term.

With a lot of football left in him, Marshall would surely relish the opportunity to re-join his boyhood club and end his Hull City nightmare, where he has become nothing more than a bench warmer.

Funnily enough, Marshall himself was thrown into professional football during a similar goalkeeping crisis at Celtic back in 2004.

Aged only 19, the same as Hazard, Marshall was thrust into a UEFA Cup knock-out tie against Barcelona as cover for the suspended Rab Douglas, and performed superbly, standing him in great stead for future pressures throughout his career.

Given the current situation for both Celtic and Marshall, this reunion could be a match made in heaven and is a realistic option for Rodgers as he desperately looks to reinforce his goalkeeping options.